Gold Kangaroo Coin Design

This first issue of coins had two unique features: a two-tone, frosted design effect, and each coin was individually encapsulated. These features were unusual for standard bullion coin sand gave the Gold Kangaroo a unique market niche.

From 1986 to 1989, the reverse side of the coin depicted various Australian gold nuggets. The design was changed to feature different kangaroos in 1989.

In 1991, 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilogram sizes were introduced. These were created using economies of scale to keep premiums low, and are some of the largest gold coins ever minted. In 1992, the face values on these large coins were lowered to keep them proportional to the 1 oz coin. The reverse of these larger coins uses the same red-kangaroo design every year.

In October 2011, the Perth Mint created a 1,000 kilogram gold coin, breaking the record for the largest and most valuable gold coin, which was previously held by the Royal Canadian Mint. The coin is about 80 centimeters (31 in) in diameter and 12 centimeters (4.7 in) thick. It features a red kangaroo on the front of the coin and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the back. The face value of the coin is 1 million AUD, but at the time of minting, it was valued at over 53 million AUD.

Do not confuse Gold Kangaroo coins with Australian Lunar Gold Bullion coins. Both coins are minted by Perth Mint and have .9999 purity, but Lunar coins use images of animals from the Chinese calendar instead of the kangaroo.